For Trinity University, overcoming sticker shock a challenge

Michael Fischer — vice president for academic affairs, dean of the faculty and professor of English at Trinity University — stopped by the other day for a chat.

The small, private, liberal arts school in San Antonio is ranked No. 1 among “regional universities” in the West by U.S. News & World Report. Regional universities offer a full complement of undergraduate programs, some master’s programs and few if any doctoral programs.

Fisher summed up what is perhaps the major challenge for Trinity, one shared by many private colleges and universities these days: “Persuading families that they can afford” the school. “We need to overcome the sticker shock that sets in when you see $50,000,” he said.

The sticker price for a student living on campus — as they are required to do for three years at Trinity — totals $50,550, including tuition and fees, living expenses, books, supplies and transportation, according to the school’s website.

However, 88 percent of undergraduates receive some form of grant or scholarship aid, with such aid averaging $19,400 in 2012-13, the latest figures posted on the federal Department of Education’s College Navigator website. Ninety-four percent of entering students got some form of financial aid, which also includes loans and work-study.

Other stats on Trinity: about 2,300 undergraduates, 200 master’s students, a student-faculty ratio of 9 to 1, a four-year graduation rate of 72 percent, a $1.1 billion endowment. Interestingly, more students major in business-related disciplines than in any other category.

Dennis Ahlburg, Trinity’s president, plans to step down Jan. 1, and a search is underway for a successor. Has Fischer’s hat been thrown into the ring?

Fischer, 65, replied diplomatically: “It would be an honor for anyone to be a candidate or to serve as president of this extraordinary university. However, the presidential search process is confidential at this time and I can’t comment on any involvement.”

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